The Chickpea and Vegetable Tagine is a beautiful harmony of slow-cooked chickpeas and garden-fresh vegetables, delicately infused with exotic spices. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, bringing the warmth of Moroccan cuisine straight to your family table. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or a comforting family dinner, it’s a dish that entices the senses and brings everyone together in anticipation.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Couscous, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or tagine over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices, releasing their fragrant oils.
- Add the carrots, zucchinis, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After an hour, stir in the chopped apricots and continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 30 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors fully melded.
- Season with salt to taste and stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Serve the tagine hot, over a bed of fluffy couscous. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Helpful Tips
To make this recipe even easier, prepare all the vegetables in advance. Store in airtight containers in the fridge until ready to use. For a sweeter touch, add a small amount of honey or agave syrup. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices slightly.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have apricots, raisins or dried cranberries make a great substitute. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand; sweet potatoes or eggplant would also be delicious.
Suggested Pairings
This tagine pairs wonderfully with a side of warm flatbread and a simple cucumber and yogurt salad. For an authentic beverage, try serving with a refreshing mint tea or a glass of fruity Moroccan wine.
We absolutely can’t wait to see your beautiful Chickpea and Vegetable Tagine creations! Share your delightful dish using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram @Zynahz. Leave us your feedback on https://www.zynahz.com/. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and follow Zynahz on social media for more culinary inspiration!
